China hands over 1,500 flats developed across Maldives to govt

CMEC’s legal representative Liu Xiaodo (L) hands over the 1,500 housing units the company developed in the Maldives to housing minister Dr Mohamed Muizzu. PHOTO/HOUSING MINISTRY

China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) on Monday handed over 1,500 housing units it developed in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale and several southern islands to the Maldivian government.

In a special ceremony held in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale, CMEC’s legal representative Liu Xiaodo handed over the flats on behalf of China to the Maldives, received by housing minister Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The company developed flats in the islands of:

Hulhumale, Kaafu atoll – 704 housing units

Hithadhoo, Addu atoll – 264 housing units

Hulhumeedhoo, Addu atoll – 48 housing units

Fuvahmulah, Gnaviyani atoll – 200 housing units

Villingili, Gaafu Alif atoll – 52 housing units

Gahdhoo, Gaafu Dhaal atoll – 50 housing units

Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaal atoll – 120 housing units

Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaal atoll – 22 housing units

Hoadehdhoo, Gaafu Dhaal atoll – 40 housing units

President Abdulla Yameen had laid the foundation of the housing units on December 9, 2014.

Speaking at the ceremony, housing minister Muizzu proclaimed that the housing units developed by CMEC in Hulhumale are more expansive than the flats developed by previous governments. Each flat consists of three bedrooms and a bathroom.

According to the minister, over 15,000 people had applied for the 1,500 flats, which were developed as the first social housing project of the current administration. Stating that the flats were awarded to the most eligible amongst the applicants, Muizzu added that housing units of even better quality will be developed across the Maldives in the future.

Muizzu further highlighted that the social housing programme is of the utmost importance in the president’s manifesto. He declared that the government is making several accomplishments in reaching its targets.